Super Bomberman Collection

Super Bomberman Collection for Nintendo Switch (NSP ROM) is a compilation of five installments from the Super Bomberman series, released between 1993 and 1997, in a multiplayer action game format. Is Super Bomberman R2 better than its predecessor? Absolutely. Its content is so rich that the first game seems outdated in comparison. Is it the best? Not exactly. I’m not saying it’s bad—quite the opposite—but let’s be clear: this is Bomberman. The gameplay mechanics have remained virtually unchanged for forty years. We know what to expect from a new installment in one of the most popular and beloved video game series of all time. The game again begins with enjoyable cutscenes, but the voice acting is disastrous (whether this is intentional remains a mystery). It also features an entirely new level design. Well, almost.

The strength of Super Bomberman R2 lies in its story. It’s not just a series of levels featuring classic Bomberman gameplay and occasional boss fights. There’s a vast map to explore, allowing you to earn experience points and acquire allies. Exploration is easy and straightforward, but it reminded me a bit of the Bomberman games on the Nintendo 64. These games are considered among the best in the series, along with the Sega Saturn games. The story style also surprised me. I don’t know if Konami retained the original Hudsonsoft composers, but the music in Super Bomberman R2 clearly features some of Hudsonsoft’s most famous pieces from the late 90s, such as the soundtracks for Mario Golf and Mario Tennis.